I'm gonna play by Jeeps rules and go by their Oil Change Indicator System, That way no warranty issues down the road. When the indicator says I need to change it then I'll change it. Most likely my first change will be at around 8000-10,000 miles as I checked it tonite with 4775 miles and it is at 56% life left.

The oil change indicator system was introduced on most 2008 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. This system displays a "Oil Change Required" or "Oil Change" message at appropriate intervals on the instrument cluster.
Schedules A and B have long been a part of required and recommended maintenance on Chrysler Group vehicles. One drawback of using these schedules is that customers sometimes end up making a best "guesstimate" of the correct maintenance interval.
With the introduction of the Oil Change Indicator system, that's going to change - customers are automatically notified via the cluster or EVIC that an oil change is required. In addition, the system does away with Schedules A and B and instead combines both into easy-to-use lists and tables.

The Oil Change Indicator system uses the Powertrain Control Module to process a variety of inputs and then decides on an oil change interval. The factors which point toward severe use include the following:

The system cannot keep track of dusty conditions or time elapsed since the last maintenance. In fact, it is possible for the maximum allowable maintenance time interval to elapse without an oil change reminder. In such a case, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that maintenance is performed according to the recommended interval.

Based on the inputs, at a fixed number of miles since the last reset, the Powertrain Control Module decides on the severity of the operating conditions. If one or more of the conditions indicates severe use, the PCM sends a message over the bus so that the appropriate message can be displayed. If the PCM decides that the normal service interval applies, it waits until additional mileage has accumulated before sending out the request for a message.
The EVIC message may also include A dealership's name and phone number, which can be programmed into the vehicle with a scan tool. However, the dealership must receive the customer's approval before adding this information. Hitting the trip button will temporarily end the message, and it will reappear with the next key cycle. In addition to the oil change, the related items listed in the Service Information should also be performed when service is indicated. All other items will follow a single maintenance schedule with the same calendar/mileage intervals no matter what the oil change interval.

2013-2014 models (gasoline engines)

2013 model year vehicles will be equipped with a new variable automatic oil change indicator system. Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures, or E85 fuel usage will influence when the "Change Oil" message is displayed indicating service is required. Severe operating conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate AS EARLY AS 3,500 MILES SINCE THE LAST RESET.

NOTE: ALWAYS CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER WHEN PROMPTED BY THE OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD OIL CHANGE INTERVALS EXCEED 10,000 MILES OR TWELVE MONTHS, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

Certain maintenance services are now coupled with the oil change indicator system rather than being listed at THE REVISED FIXED INTERVALS - 12 MONTHS / 10,000 MILES. Listed below are the maintenance services that are required to be performed at every oil change interval as indicated by oil change indicator system:

Change engine oil and filter. Oil changes prompted by the oil change indicator system can be recorded in the oil change log section.

Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.

Ya, I will change it at 10,000 miles even if the OCI hasn't called for it yet.
I would think that it would signal for a change before then, but well see. It should be different for everyone as we all have different driving habits, temps and fuel.

GCLimited

09-26-2013 07:42 AM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

At 5,000 miles my oil indicator stated "54%" was left.

I just don't feel comfortable letting conventional oil go longer than that in a V6 motor...so I decided to use my free oil change from the dealership at 5,000 miles, and get all my computer/radio reflashes as well. I also paid $15 extra to get the synthetic oil this time.

lstowell

09-26-2013 11:48 AM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Interesting concept, when the material you quoted indicates the owner may still be responsible.

"The system cannot keep track of dusty conditions or time elapsed since the last maintenance. In fact, it is possible for the maximum allowable maintenance time interval to elapse without an oil change reminder. In such a case, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that maintenance is performed according to the recommended interval."

lstowell

09-26-2013 11:50 AM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCLimited
(Post 899685)

At 5,000 miles my oil indicator stated "54%" was left.

I just don't feel comfortable letting conventional oil go longer than that in a V6 motor...so I decided to use my free oil change from the dealership at 5,000 miles, and get all my computer/radio reflashes as well. I also paid $15 extra to get the synthetic oil this time.

I don't know of any instance of anyone voiding an engine warranty by changing oil more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer.

Since I tend to keep cars for at least 150K miles, I tend to look at the tradeoff of a 40 some dollar oil change [synth, hemi] versus replacing a multi-thousand dollar engine due to trying to save a couple bucks.

2014 LAREDO

09-26-2013 12:35 PM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Quote:

Originally Posted by lstowell
(Post 899805)

I don't know of any instance of anyone voiding an engine warranty by changing oil more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer.

Since I tend to keep cars for at least 150K miles, I tend to look at the tradeoff of a 40 some dollar oil change [synth, hemi] versus replacing a multi-thousand dollar engine due to trying to save a couple bucks.

No you won't void your warranty if you change more frequently but why do it if you don't have to. I'm more interested in getting less changes (or what they are calling for) and lessening the impact on the enviroment and my wallet. I don't have money to throw away and the savings is more than acouple bucks.

Difference based on a $40.00 oil change up to 100,000 miles is..........
every 3000 miles..............$1333.00
every 5000 miles..............$800.00
every 7500 miles..............$533.00
every 10,000 miles............$400.00

So saving hundreds of dollars is important to me maybe not others.
And I won't be doing any harm to the vehicle or putting the warranty in jeopordy since I'm following the manufacturers requirerments.

LTrainGC

09-26-2013 12:50 PM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2014 LAREDO
(Post 899826)

Difference based on a $40.00 oil change up to 100,000 miles is..........
every 3000 miles..............$1333.00
every 5000 miles..............$800.00
every 7500 miles..............$533.00
every 10,000 miles............$400.00

Say I drive 10,000 miles a year - those costs are over a 10 year period. $400 savings over 10 years (between 5k and 10k oil changes) is $3.33 a month, which is not even close to enough to make me think twice about the added expense of changing my oil every 5k miles compared to 10k. But this is definitely a "to each his own" thing.

2014 LAREDO

09-26-2013 01:37 PM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTrainGC
(Post 899830)

But this is definitely a "to each his own" thing.

I agree. I don't think it really matters either way. I just don't feel that changing more often is gonna improve performance or add time to the engines life.

David_Hart

09-26-2013 03:51 PM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

I changed my oil at 2500 miles with Pennzoil Ultra Full Synthetic. My plan is to change it again just before my Christmas trip home, at about 6000 miles.

I plan on taking an oil sample at that time and sending it off to Blackstone for an oil analysis. This will give me an indication when I should be changing my oil based on my driving conditions. My plan is to change my oil twice a year at about 7500 miles. But, if the analysis says that I can go longer, then I may revise my plans. Doing this several times should also tell me how accurate the oil computer is. Besides, it's kinda cool to get a glimpse of what's going on in the engine...

I changed my oil at 2500 miles with Pennzoil Ultra Full Synthetic. My plan is to change it again just before my Christmas trip home, at about 6000 miles.

I plan on taking an oil sample at that time and sending it off to Blackstone for an oil analysis. This will give me an indication when I should be changing my oil based on my driving conditions. My plan is to change my oil twice a year at about 7500 miles. But, if the analysis says that I can go longer, then I may revise my plans. Doing this several times should also tell me how accurate the oil computer is. Besides, it's kinda cool to get a glimpse of what's going on in the engine...

Same here going to do twice a year at 6000 with Pennzoil Ultra Full Synthetic. I did my first at 1000 and just did the 2nd at 6000. I am curious what your analysis will look like on this oil keep us posted :)

lstowell

09-26-2013 04:33 PM

Re: FYI...When to change your oil............

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTrainGC
(Post 899830)

Say I drive 10,000 miles a year - those costs are over a 10 year period. $400 savings over 10 years (between 5k and 10k oil changes) is $3.33 a month, which is not even close to enough to make me think twice about the added expense of changing my oil every 5k miles compared to 10k. But this is definitely a "to each his own" thing.

Perhaps a nice jacket with "I don't change my oil unless the VIC tells me to" on it would be good to have.

That way, 5-6 years from now, those of us who change just a tad more often [or use oil sampling], can recognize the pedestrian hitch hiking and give them a ride. :slapfight: